5 CM Process Scope and Fundamentals

5 CM Process Scope and FundamentalsConfiguration Management implementation requires a systematic, continuous and consistent application of the CM Key Elements and their underlying principles, throughout the entire project and product life cycles.BT is developing complex projects (several thousands of Configuration Items) involving large number of interfaces. The scope of configuration management is to support a progressive development approach while ensuring full consistency across the configuration items and clear interfaces.In contractual relationships with the Suppliers (external and internal), the component interface definition is included as part of the purchase agreement, e.g. in the PRD and SRD, defining the CM Baseline that is required for the component to be supplied.In case of a consortium or joint ventures, an interface agreement is necessary to define the scope, roles and responsibilities along with a mechanism to approve changes to the agreement.Configuration Management is hence a cross-regional and cross-functional approach that is everybody’s responsibility. This is also described in the CM process together with the relevant interfacing functional processes [09], [10] (also, see CM Principle 1) and taken into account in the CM-relevant roles and responsibilities as defined in the organizational structure (section 8.2) [11].It must be a matter of principle that: